Severe Weather

Eyes to the skies: Weather could douse bonfire plans

Tens of thousands of people turn out for the annual lighting of the Christmas bonfires in St. James Parish.

A forecast that includes the possibility of strong -- even severe -- storms over the Christmas holiday threatens to douse plans for the annual lighting of the bonfires in St. James Parish.

WDSU meteorologist Damon Singleton on Sunday said the Christmas Eve forecast includes moderate rain across the area and strong winds. There is a 70 percent chance of rain overall on Monday.

It is a longstanding tradition in the communities of Lutcher and Gramercy to light bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve. But officials will call off the festivities if certain conditions are not met.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has informed the Iranian delegation at talks in Switzerland on Iran's nuclear program that he will return to Paris at dawn Wednesday in an apparent effort to force t...